Ernest A. "Sonny" Vaughan

1919 - 2018

Ernest A. "Sonny" Vaughan

Umatilla, FL - Ernest A. (Sonny) Vaughan, 98, beloved husband of the late Evelyn Bailey Vaughan, passed away peacefully at his home in Umatilla, Florida, surrounded by his family on Monday, January 8, 2018.

He was born February 26, 1919, in Highlands, New Jersey. After attending the Atlantic Highlands High School, he joined the Navy where he served as a Naval Swim Instructor.

As a proud resident of Highlands, Sonny expressed his passion for civic service through positions as a Police Commissioner, Mayor, City Councilman for 30 years, member of the Middletown Sewage Authority for 30 years, and a volunteer fireman for 60 years. His love of the community extended by his participation in the growth and development of the local economy. His first business ventures began with several area gas stations, Vaughan's SO, Vaughan's Texaco, and Vaughan's Scenic SO. He first opened Vaughan's Charcoal Grill alongside his Texaco station, and later the Stowaway Hotel & Restaurant which highlighted upon his role as restaurateur, where he spent much of his life setting the bar for great hospitality and amazing memories to all of those who came.

Sonny became a Freemason in 1953, rose to the rank of a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, and was a lifelong member of Monmouth Lodge No. 172 up until his death.

He is survived by daughter, Lillian Shirley, and her husband James, of Umatilla, Florida. He is also survived by grandson James (Allen) Shirley, his wife Theresa, of Long Branch; granddaughter, Suzann Neeley, and her husband Terry, of Umatilla, Florida; grandson Ernie Vaughan, and his wife Hope, of Atlantic Highlands; grandson Kirk Vaughan, his wife Darlene, of Little Egg Harbor; granddaughter Sherelyn Vaughan Babson, and her husband Ed, of Beachwood; grandson Jason Vaughan of E. Stroudsburg; and grandson Joab Vaughan of E. Stroudsburg; & many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Ernest F. (Sonny) Vaughan.

Relatives & friends are invited to call at Posten's Funeral Home, 59 E. Lincoln Ave. Atlantic Highlands, NJ on Monday from 12 noon until 2 PM and attend funeral services at 2 PM. Entombment will follow at Fair View Cemetery Mausoleum, Middletown, NJ.